All the students were getting up to leave class when he heard, "Matthew, might I speak to you for a

moment?"
"Of course, Professor."
Professor Xavier had always been kind to him. Matthew long suspected that Xavier knew he was
hiding his full potential but the professor never pushed the subject and treated Matthew like all the
other students. He liked feeling normal here. His long standing lie was that he could teleport.
Whenever they were required to practice their abilities it put Matthew in a tough spot. The teachers
were constantly trying to push his limits and get him to teleport further and further. It's tiring having to
run such far distances constantly. Yesterday, the teacher had asked him to try to travel to someplace
he had previously been. After faking an attempt for an hour or so the teacher finally relented and
suggested they take a break.
"Professor Munroe tells me you had a difficult time yesterday. She was worried she might have
pushed you too hard and wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I-I'm fine professor. She didn't push too hard. I tried picturing different places but nothing happened.
I don't know if I'm able to teleport like that."
"Well, things happen at different paces for everyone. I'm sure you've heard of Kurt by now?"
"Yes, sir."
"When he first came here, he was limited by what he could see as well. He could travel to anywhere
in sight, but beyond that, he was too frightened to push himself. It takes extraordinary strength to
push limits set by our minds. In time, I'm sure you will be able to overcome anything you set your
mind to."
"Thank you professor."
"Matthew, have you made any friends since you started here? I don't see you with the other students
very often."
"No sir, I-I think they are frightened of me."
"Why is that?"
"They avoid me, and I hear them saying things about me."
"Teleporting is an enviable gift. I'm sure they will come around in time."
"I guess."
"Matthew, are you sure there isn't something else? You know I would never use my gift on anyone
without permission but it doesn't take a mind reader to see that something is bothering you."
"Professor, c-can you keep a secret?"
"Of course, Matthew. Anything you tell me would be kept between us."
Eyes to the floor Matthew said, "I have been lying to you and the other teachers. I can't teleport."
Professor Xaviers remained quiet as if telling Matthew to continue.
"I-I was afraid if you found out what I can do, that you would make me part of your advanced class. I
just wanted to feel normal for once. Everyone my whole life has called me a freak and when I got
here, I was just another kid. I'm so sorry I lied professor."
"It's okay Matthew. I understand. If I may ask, what is this gift that you were afraid to speak of?"
"It's easier if I show you."
"Lead the way."
The two of them left the office and went into the crowded hallway watching the kids on their way to
various classes. Matthew reached over and set his hand on Xaviers shoulder and everyone froze.
Turning to Matthew, Xavier said, "Well, it certainly is an extraordinary gift. The ability to freeze time is
no small feat. I can't say I've ever met another mutant with this ability, Matthew."
"Are you going to kick me out of the school for lying to you?"
"No, Matthew. I understand why you kept this from us. It is an incredible burden to have control over
time. I imagine it can be quite lonely."
Nodding his head Matthew was tearing up a little.
"Matthew, I'm going to keep this between us until you're ready to tell other people. Would you be
okay with having private lessons with me once a week to learn to better control this power of yours?"
"Yes, Professor."
"Very good. Bring us back to real time and let us join the rest of the students. It's nearly time for your
next class."